Brits have a laugh

BAFTA's comedy awards bow in L.A.

HOLLYWOOD — Recipients of lifetime achievement awards usually give long-winded thanks to agents, family and friends. Not Billy Connolly.

At BAFTA/LA’s inaugural British Comedy Awards on Thursday at the Four Seasons, he said, “This is my second lifetime achievement award from BAFTA. They gave me the fucking death mask last time. This one must be for my entrails.”

Kudofest, normally held in the U.K. but brought to Los Angeles as part of Brit Week, had guests rolling with laughter. It was emceed by a squeaky-voiced Joe Pasquale, who started off with: “I’m really English, this is really my voice, and I’m not Harry Potter’s dad.””Extras” took the prize for Brit comedy TV program, and Harry Hill won for comedy performer. Ricky Gervais (“Extras”) and Hill sent taped acceptance speeches, so presumably the winners were known in advance.

Thesp Simon Pegg was on hand to accept his two kudos and proudly pointed out: “I’ve won more than Rick (Gervais) for once, which is great.”